
CAMELLIA ELEGANS (CHANDLER) 
© AMELLIAS ° Jhe loveliest Flower of the South 
HEN merchantmen and explorers were sailing the seven 
seas some two centuries ago, they brought home not 
only spices, silks, fine furniture and china, but many 
rare plants as well. Not the least of these was the lovely 
Camellia which, like many another plant treasure, came from 
China. It is natural that the Camellia, or ‘‘Japonica’’ as we 
know it more familiarly, should be established in Southern 
gardens. Soil conditions and climate were ideal for these 
choice plants. In the North they had to be cherished in glass- 
houses because of the severe winters. 
For decades the Japonicas grew and flourished in Southern 
gardens where they were held in great favor. Like fashions 
in clothes and fashions in furniture and architecture, the 
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popularity of the Japonica waned for a while, and these 
choice flowers were almost forgotten. 
As we again turn to the past to garner the best that was 
produced in other days, so we turn again to cultivate Japonicas. 
Camellias are easily grown in the South. Their glossy foliage 
and their colorful blooms are lovely to look upon. There is 
hardly a room in the house where a few of these richly colored 
blooms cannot be used to advantage. The named varieties 
are numerous but not all are desirable. Our enthusiasm some 
years ago led us to import some of the varieties available from 
France. These, together with many more familiar kinds, are 
raised here. Why not read the descriptions and learn about 
the fine collection that you can obtain at Glen Saint Mary? 
GLEN SAINT MARY NURSERIES CO., Glen Saint Mary, Florida 
